As the tail end of the fireworks fade into the night sky, Chelsea’s Saatchi Gallery will once again be swathed in light when the doors are opened on the fifth edition of consumer watch show SalonQP.

The annual event, which this year runs from 7 to 9 November, showcases horological excellence, welcoming both innovative luxury brands and highly skilled watchmakers into the light and spacious Saatchi Gallery. In 2013, the show will feature more than 50 brands and watchmakers, including A Lange & Söhne, Armin Strom, Badollet, Bell & Ross, Bremont, Christophe Claret Frédérique Constant, Hermès, Hoptroff, Jaeger-LeCoultre, MB&F, Meridian Watches, Piaget, Ressence, Schofield, TAG Heuer, Urwerk and Zenith in what is a combination of established giants and dynamic independents.
A firm fixture in the diaries of both industry insiders and the general watch-enthusiast public, SalonQP continues to draw an eclectic mix of exhibitors.

Story continues below

Advertisement

“Watchmakers need to get their work talked about and known to the sort of audience that SalonQP attracts – not only are they interested per se, but they are often active in spreading the word among their own circles,” says James Gurney, founder of SalonQP. He adds: “The model remains the same, SalonQP is still about the chance to engage with the best watchmaking has to offer. Having said that, we are introducing a stronger auction element to the show, with Bonham’s, Fellows and Watches of Knightsbridge all taking part.”

As well as being able to see the latest that brands have to offer and watchmakers busy at work, visitors can expect a rich seminar selection. “Seeing new brands launch is always a buzz – that they choose SalonQP is very pleasing,” says Gurney. “We are working on the seminar programme, which we think will be the best yet, other than that I’m looking forward as ever to the atmosphere SalonQP seems to generate.”

With complications and innovations aplenty, SalonQP is due to have yet another successful year and to continue to evolve. “There’s plenty of room for organic growth with SalonQP and we are hoping to add some significant names for next year,” says Gurney. “Beyond that, there is real interest in taking SalonQP on the road.”

This article first appeared in the October issue of WatchPro magazine. To see the full digital issue, click here.